Page 66 of Broken Star

“A lack of love isn’t the same as pure hatred,” he says softly, and I’m speechless as the words hang between us, heavy with meaning I can’t fully place.

“At least I still feel something,” I finally say, swallowing past the lump in my throat. “At least my heart isn’t made of ice.”

He sucks in a sharp breath, and his fingers twitch slightly at his sides, as if he’s resisting the urge to reach for his sword.

Circe claps her hands together, unimpressed. “Men,” she sighs, rolling her eyes. “Always so dramatic. This is precisely why they make better pigs.” She turns her palm to the sky, and flames dance around her fingers. “At least pigs don’t spend their time arguing in séance circles about their feelings—or lack thereof.”

Riven opens his mouth—no doubt to shoot something icy her way—but Circe silences him with a single pointed look before turning back to me.

“Dawn approaches,” she says. “You’re welcome to stay in my palace. It would certainly be more comfortable than that ghastly vessel you sailed in on.”

“We’ll return to the ship,” Riven cuts in, leaving no room for argument.

Circe’s lips curve into an amused smile. “The invitation wasn’t extended to you, Winter Prince,” she says, turning back to me. “As for you, Princess, my palace has plenty of room. Warm beds, hot baths, and homemade meals. You could rest properly before beginning your journey to the Cosmic Tides.”

The offer is tempting. More than tempting. Space to breathe without Riven’s constant presence setting my magic on edge—without the temptation of his blood, and the threat of pain from his touch. A chance to process everything we learned about Matt and Zoey without his scrutiny hanging over me like a blade...

But even as I consider it, I know I can’t accept.

“Your offer is generous, and your palace sounds lovely,” I say to Circe, keeping my voice steady, “but I should stay with the ship.”

“Are you certain?” she asks.

“Yes,” I reply, refusing to look at Riven. “I’m certain.”

“Such a shame.” She sighs dramatically. “However, since the sun won’t rise for another hour or so, I trust you can use the stars to navigate your way back to the beach?”

I glance up at the sky, where the stars pulse with comforting light. “I can,” I tell her.

“Then good luck finding the Star Disc,” she says, and the torches around us flare up, brightening the clearing. “And try not to kill each other before you leave. You both have… a great deal of energy left to release.”

She disappears in a burst of flames, leaving behind silence, flickering torchlight, and the weight of everything left unsaid.

Riven exhales, his tension fading. “I’m surprised you didn’t go with her,” he finally says.

I study him—silver eyes and midnight hair that glints in the firelight, a face as cold as carved marble.

“Believe me, I was tempted,” I admit. “But I think I trust her less than I trust you.”

His smirk is slow and smug.

“A high compliment from my dearest wife,” he says, and I immediately regret my words. “Now, shall we return to our honeymoon on the haunted ship?”

“I’d rather honeymoon in the depths of the Cosmic Tides and see if I can drown myself before you can pull me out,” I tell him, but he just gives me an infuriatingly triumphant smile, and I spin on my heel, gathering wind at my fingertips as I lead us back to the shore.

Sapphire

As always,Riven and I sleep in shifts during the day in preparation to set off after sunset, when the stars first appear in the sky.

I’m on the hull keeping watch when fire dances across the beach, and Circe materializes by the pier.

She’s carrying something that looks like a basket of supplies.

“I’m happy to converse privately,” she says with a smile. “However, you can fetch your husband if you please.”

I huff, since even though I’m happy to leave Riven sleeping in the cabin, we’re about to head out on a dangerous mission, and keeping him informed about what’s happening is the best way for us to survive the Cosmic Tides.

“One minute,” I call to Circe, and then I spin around, hurrying to the cabin to get him.

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